“What Women Want” was a blockbuster romantic comedy of the early 2000s. The film centered on a self-involved playboy who suddenly gained the ability to hear women’s thoughts. The premise was both revolutionary and hilarious: a man being forced to confront what women actually think, rather than what he assumes they do.
Now, over 25 years later, as societal norms have shifted and the world modernizes, I think women may be struggling with the same question in reverse. In 2025, is it okay to ask (unironically), what do men want? We assume we already know, justifiably as we have (like it or not) spent the last two millennia tending to that question. But have we now swung so far in the other direction that men’s inner lives are ignored altogether, even if only within the rom-com genre?
This rings especially true for Christmas gifts. I find men, husbands especially, to be the most difficult to shop for. Likely because I can only approach the question from my own perspective. I think, Of course he wants to look nicer at parties; he’ll love this tie. But in reality, that tie quietly collects dust in a sad, dark corner of the closet. Perhaps I should ask the question for all of us, what do men want? If even just for Christmas.
With my mission clear, I sent a text to 20 men I consider great guys and asked what they wanted for Christmas. While the answers themselves weren’t terribly surprising, the motivations behind them were heartwarming and offered insight into their innermost thoughts. One replied, “I recently got a great pair of readers from my wife that I love,” forgetting the question was meant for something new and instead taking the opportunity to praise his wife’s gift-giving skills. Another asked for a cordless tire inflator, primarily because his wife often has tire issues. And finally, one sweet dad requested a family game he could play with his teenage boys to help ramp up family time.
I still can’t read men’s thoughts, nor do I want to, but the insight I got this week from a simple text was a helpful reminder: I think what most men really want, is for us to be happy. Seriously.
Here are a few more gift picks from the 20 men I polled:
Clockwise from Left
Harrier Long Sleeve Running Top, Tracksmith
Rhinebeck Sport Pant, Greyson Clothiers
Men’s Cloud Sneaker, Varsity Sports
Performance Jogger, Vuori (Lakeside)
Air Force Ones, Nike
Glasses, Warby Parker
Pro Tennis Shoes, Dick’s Sporting Goods
Clockwise from Left
Dewalt 20V MAX Corded/Cordless Air Inflator, Lowe’s
3Lb Splitting Maul, Truper
Ion Battery Charger, Lowe’s
Battery Powered Blower, Freret Hardware
All Weather Speaker, (Gen 3 Speaker), Phina
Pit Boss Electric Smoker, Freret Hardware
Clockwise from Left
Theragun Elite, Massey’s
Cards Against Humanity (family edition), Cards Against Humanity
Battery Powered Blower, Freret Hardware
Yeti Hard Cooler, Massey’s
Freezer Beer Glass Set, Phina
Infrared Foldable Thermometer, Coutelier
BamBare Boxer Brief, Tasc
Professional Bar Spoon, Nola Boards
Thermal Carafe Brewer, Moccamaster
Sale & Event Picks:
Ongoing: Adler’s Closing Sale, Adler’s (both locations)
